Decorative Designs of the Ainu People
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Chiukaukapu ("What we sewed") Coat, Hokkaido Ainu (Abuta), Formerly used by Chief Ikashi Wakka, Edo period-Meiji era, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, On exhibit from February 16, 2016)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
January 2, 2016 (Sat) - April 10, 2016 (Sun)This display features elaborate designs the Ainu people used to decorate their garments and daily utensils. Garment designs were rendered from pieces of cotton cloth and dyed embroidery. Wooden objects such as trays, makiri knife mountings, and ritual quivers were decorated with minutely carved patterns. Women decorated using cloth and needles, and men engraved designs with makiri knives. The Ainu designs featured include whorl patterns called morew and brace-like patterns known as ayus.
The Ainu people held rituals and dances wearing garments and holding objects decorated with these designs.
Current exhibit includes:
Hat, Provenance unknown, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Katayama Naoto, On exhibit through February 14, 2016)
Earrings, Hokkaido Ainu(Abuta, Abashiri), 19th century
Necklace, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Smoking Set, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, On exhibit from February 16, 2016)
Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, On exhibit through February 14, 2016)
Chiukaukapu ("What we sewed") Coat, Hokkaido Ainu (Abuta), Formerly used by Chief Ikashi Wakka, Edo period-Meiji era, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, On exhibit from February 16, 2016)